TV Open Thread: Sister Wives Special – “Sister Wives in the City of Sin”

This one-hour episode centers around the change for the Brown family from Utah to Nevada. They are happy and relieved to arrive in the one-month rental house where they presently are staying; they are seeking homes for each wife. They must hurry and they also have only a few days before they put the children in school. Yet they (the adults, at least) are very much at peace.

Kody: “We have just moved, and we have a lot of unpacking to do. There’s a lot of sunlight, and it’s 70 degrees. I feel like I’ve been born again. What a place to be born again, in Las Vegas!”

Meri: “I really do feel at home here. Today we’re putting things away and trying to put things away in the house.”

Kody: “So it’s light and fluffy for little kids, who are in a vacation home, free and at peace for the adults– the teenagers are still bitter right now.”

The teens are angry that they are living in a vacation home, “out of suitcases.” Even though they know that their family could have been broken up, they are still resentful at having had to relocate. Some, particularly Mariah,plan to go back to Utah as soon as they can.

While they are involved with practicalities, the episode’s real center is Robyn’s and Kody’s decision to try to have a child. They aren’t discussing it with the other wives, but one is sure that the feeling must be hanging in the air.

Kody had wanted Robyn to have a baby much sooner, but the legal situation created too much stress, so she “just said no.” Kody, as ever, seems very pleased that he can show the world that all the women have choice in their lives, aren’t just being told what to do. Now they are in Nevada, Robyn feels safe, and they begin to try to have a child.

The family makes finding a home for Robyn first, since her children had had to move a lot. There is a fair amount of confusion because the children all begin school at differing times and the children are accustomed to being able to take long showers, and so on.

The teens say “I really don’t want to make friends with people here.” They don’t like Nevada and want to go home, but one can see the beginning of interest in a new way of life. Nevada has a different style of dress, and a whole new ethos– one that worries the Brown wives.

The girls want to wear less “modest” clothing, but with four “mothers” watching, they find it hard to get away with this. They want to wear what they wish… as Robyn says, “They are beautiful girls and they probably don’t realize what it means to boys when they have certain things showing-it’s a huge signal to boys. Because they’re gorgeous.”

Robyn has the first house, and Janelle then finds the next. She is a bit ashamed and embarrassed to admit that she “wants” something, that it is important to her, but the other women back her up.

As ever, there are problems. The women each want a perfect house, and to live near one another (oddly, there seems to be no thought of sharing a house – one house for two wives?) The family is worried about money, for they all lost their jobs when Utah faded in the rear- view mirror, yet no one wants to compromise. It’s still Kody’s dream that one day they will live in a big house, all together, though.

Now they have two weeks left in the vacation home. The Browns are getting nervous about where they will go…

“I can’t ask Meri or Christine to move to just any home down the street, when Janelle and Robyn have the homes they want.”

Finally Christine finds a house. “See, God loves us.” She is happy.

The houses are each several blocks from one another, which must be a change from living so close together, and recently all in the same house.

Eventually, Robyn and Meri go back to Utah to get their things and pets; a painful trip, but one that helps to bind the two together.

“I got to have the love of my life with Kody, but also got to have this really cool relationship with the sister wives.” Meri and Robyn discuss the closeness that has developed between them over the past year despite Meri’s very honest, and uncontrollable, jealousy towards Robyn and Kody’s relationship.

And then Meri finds a house, big, beautiful, further away from the others; and unfortunately, expensive.

Meri finally finds a home she wants to rent, about 10 days before the rental is up. One big problem: it’s over a mile from the other houses. But it’s perfect for family gatherings.

Meri realizes she can have the whole family over because it is such a big house; and one of the others says “I’m looking forward to having Thanksgiving in that house.” So Meri, at first feeling deprived and degraded because she has only one child– always apparently a sign, at least in the past, of somehow being less important than other sisterwives, gets the house she wants– Kody is overcome by the other wives and overcomes his own misgivings.

Kody: “I had to take a chill pill, because Meri and Meriah- their rent will cost as much as the house for Christine or Janelle- for a much bigger family. So it was all about a conflict with myself, trying to justify the amount of money because I had another house, very cheap, right next to Robyn. You’re taking this personally? “Kody says to Meri, turning towards her as she wipes away tears.

“I’d take it personally!” says Christine, ever the defender of her sister wives.

Janelle says, “Logically, Meri knew she should have a smaller house, that cost less. She tried for 2 weeks, but … she deserved to have the home that was important to her!”

Meri says, “I guess I feel that people don’t think I have the right to as many perks, because I have only one child… it doesn’t make sense for me to have a bigger house.” Robyn: “No one feels that way.” Kody: “I was being a jerk about it…”

Robyn and Christine hold a block party, because they live on the same street. Kody is worried that someone will come to give them “some religious zeal” against polygamy, but they are determined to meet their neighbors. Kody talks about wanting to be able to trust their friends and to help and stand by them; and he seems relieved to find that no one is (at least outwardly) going to put them down. Kody voices this when he says, “We don’t know what they are really thinking.” One larger black man says, “This is between (Kody) and God. … If you want multiple women, it’s not love, it’s lust.” Robyn: “If this was about lust, prostitutes are cheaper than wives. Sorry.” She points out that it’s a tougher neighborhood than anything she’s used to. “I had to make myself not judge any of my neighbors…” Kody” All we want is to be able to do it (live as polygamists). Judge us- but let us do it.”

The wives are each reacting in different ways to this new arrangement. Some like aloneness to have prayers and family time with their children, some prefer to be together with the other sister-wives. Kody is “scared” because it feels like a privilege to some of the wives to have more time alone; he worries that perhaps they don’t want to be with one another, and will, in the end, become more and more separate.

Kody and Robyn begin to talk about his and Robyn’s secret. Now, (it must have happened on the trip to Nevada-in January- or shortly after), she will have a baby in October. Robyn and Kody seem like children in many ways; they are excited over sharing a personal, just-between-us secret. But Robyn, unlike Kody, realizes that it may not seem like so much “fun” to some of the other members of the family.

“We have a bun in the oven!” as Kody puts it. Happy, eager, delighted, Robyn still sees that Meri, particularly, may feel hurt by this new change in their lives. “Her body won’t let her have more children; that is painful for her…Our relationship has improved over the last year… I want to go baby clothes shopping with her…Hopefuly everybody will be ok with it.”

She makes an appointment to talk to Meri. The episode closes with Robyn going over to Meri’s house; Meri has not yet heard the news, and seems surprised at the just-about-to-be revealed secret.

The previews of the show’s return in the fall shows that the Browns are not yet through with tension, anger, and struggle among one another… but then, whose family ever is?

I am soooo sorry but Cody is an greedy nasty man that just loves himself! Each of his common law partners need to feel shame!! That is NOT what the NORMAL world is like! I feel for their kids and just hope they don’t get screwed up in the City of sin!!! Why the hell would Cody pick that place???? He needs to keep his thing in his pants and just stop!!

Alexina Mooore

Just come to Canada BC especially ! We love you all. It don’t matter how you live , just that you love your kids.! [personal contact info deleted by comments editor] Don’t give up no matter what ! I been there done that for sure just call me . We love you all.

Lois

I watched the show once and I do not try to understand this life style or understand the reasoning behind it. I do not deny that these people love one another. But Christians are supposed to be a light for God’s love, just like it says in the song featured on the show, “A sun beam to shine for Him”. There is more unrest in that family than in my normal house hold. The father believes that he has more love to give but he does not have more of what comes with love. He does not have more patience or kindness or faithfulness to extend. There is only so much a man can do, sooner or later you have to let God give the love you are inevitably incapable of giving.

Dale

LOLOLOL ok OJ see your needs to have some fun but (NOT). I just feel very sorry for the kids!! The real world in north america is just not like that!! It’s like the Mormans!! They send their kids out at a certain age to experince life. Some go back but others leave the flock! Wish them the best but it’s hard to get your head around the idea!!

rollie

I just watched the latest episode of Sister Wives. i was so sad to see that you guys didn’t move into my neighborhood. i have talked to alot of my neighbors and we are a diverse group and would have been so glad to welcome you to our block. As a gay man, i can understand how peoples views can come into play, but my block has been great at making me and my husband of 18 years feel welcome, and we wold be happy to invite you and your wives and children to our next block party. Sincerely, Rollie and Tony… email is rolliep69@yahoo.com

sharon miseray

Kody, Meri, Janelle, Christine, Robyn… i know the door you opened was a hard door to open, if the gay people can come out of the closet… so can you !!! i want you to know you are in my prayers. i also want you to know, i am Morman… i want you to know you have changed the way i think… for the better. when ever i was asked my religion, i just said, i’m christian, coz… i was COMFORTABLE in the church, but, i did not want to say i was a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints coz i did not want them to think i believe in a husband having more than one wife. i BELIEVED in only ONE WIFE, until i thought about all your episodes i watched threw out the weeks. Christine said, you did this because you were tired of living in fear… NOW, I BELIEVE YOU ALL WERE BLESSED WITH ONE ANOTHER… and i think this world would be alot better off if they put their business where it belongs instead of controlling others that don’t do harm to them… look at other countries… where some men have more than one wife, i don’t see them making a big deal out of that!!! I don’t see them looking in past Centuries where men had more than one wife… YOU HAVE RIGHTS… THIS IS YOUR RELIGIOUS BELIEF’S AND NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TELL YOU HOW TO LIVE YOUR LIFE’S LONG AS YOUR NOT HURTING ANYONE… WHAT HAPPEN TO RELIGIOUS RIGHTS !!!! WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP THE BROWN’S ??? THE LAW FOR RELIGIOUS RIGHTS NEEDS TO BE RESPECTED HERE… HERE WE HAVE A DECENT LAW ABIDING FAMILY, YES, LAW ABIDING… CAUSE THEY ARE LIVING THERE LIFE’S IN THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEF’S… LOVING FAMILY… WHO WORK AND TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN… THEY PUT NO PROBLEM’S ON THE GOVERNMENT FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE… WHY DO THEY HAVE TO SUFFER THE (OLD) FOOLISH LAW THAT THEY CAN ONLY HAVE ONE WIFE ??? i SEE THIS FAMILY AS A LOVING AND CARING PEOPLE, I AM PROUD TO HAVE THEM AS MY RELIGIOUS FAMILY… PROUD TO HAVE THEM AS MY AMERICAN FAMILY… TAKE A LOOK AT ALL THE LAW BREAKERS AND TROUBLE MAKERS WE SUFFER HERE… I CAN’T EVEN PULL MY TRUCK OVER AND OFFER AN OLD PERSON A RIDE COZ THAT POOR SENIOR IS SO FRIGHTEN OF BEING HURT OR MUGGED… HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE SLEEPING UNDER THE FREEWAY’S SUFFERING LACK OF SHELTER… FOOD ??? THIS POOR FAMILY WHO HAS DONE NO HARM TO NO ONE, HAD TO FLEE THEIR OWN HOME, WHERE ALL THEIR NEIGHBOR’S AND FAMILY ARE POLYGAMIST… THE CHILDREN UPROOTED FROM THEIR LIFESTYLE AND SCHOOL’S, FRIEND’S… COZ OF SOME OUT DATED DUM LAW !!! CHANGE THE LAW !!! UPDATE THE LAW !!! THE POLICE DOING AN INVESTIGATION… ON A LOVING FAMILY WHO DOES NO WRONG !!! OKAY UTAH… MORMAN’S… STAND UP FOR YOUR RELIGIOUS RIGHT’S… JOIN TOGETHER… AND THEN SEE IF THE POLICE WANTS TO INVESTIGATE THE WHOLE STATE OF UTAH !!! LET THE BROWN’S COME HOME. YOU REALLY THINK THEY WANT TO LIVE IN SIN CITY ??? THEY ARE FORCED TO MOVE TO SIN CITY CAUSE THEY BELIEVE THIS IS WHERE THEY CAN BE SAFE… HOW WRONG IS THIS… THIS FAMILY SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO MOVE OUT OF THE ONLY HOME THEY HAVE EVER KNOW, WHERE THEY HAVE THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS WHO SHARE IN THEIR BELIEF’S… THEIR FAITH. WE ALL KNOW UTAH IS FULL OF POLYGAMIST FAMILIES… THIS IS THEIR RIGHTIOUS FAITH, BELIEF’S… UTAH, YOU SHOULD STAND UP FOR THE BROWN’S, THEY OPEN THE DOOR BECAUSE THEY ARE TIRED OF LIVING IN FEAR… DON’T YOU SEE.. ARE YOU NOT TIRED OF LIVING IN FEAR ? THIS IS AMERICA! UTAH…. STAND UP… THIS IS THE TIME TO FIGHT FOR YOUR RELIGIOUS BELIEF… LOOK AT THE CHILDREN… DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO BE AFRAID OF THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEF’S? THE BROWN’S HAS DONE YOU A FAVOR… YOU NEED TO STAND BEHIND THEM… CHANGE THE LAW, YOU HAVE YOUR RIGHTS… ITS YOUR TURN. WOMEN CAN VOTE, GAY’S CAN GET MARRIED, BLACK’S ARE EQUAL… MERI,I CALL YOU THE INNER STRENGTH ONE, YOU KEEP THE FAMILY TOGETHER, YOU MADE THE FAMILY, YOU HAVE A GREAT LOVE, FOR YOU GAVE ALL YOUR HEART, I WANT TO SAY TO YOU, THANKYOU AND DON’T BE SAD, YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER HAS BEEN BLESSED, YOU ARE NOT ALONE… YOU HAVE OTHER CHILDREN, YOUR DAUGHTER HAS SISTER’S AND BROTHER’S… CHRISTINE, I KNOW YOU NEED ALL YOUR CHILDREN TO BE CLOSE TO YOU, I KNOW YOUR HEART IS BROKEN, I KNOW YOU HAVE TO MAKE A GREAT SCRAFICE TO SEE THAT ALL THE CHILDREN CAN LIVE IN PEACE…YOUR HEART IS YOUR CHILDREN AND WHEN I SAY YOUR CHILDREN, I MEAN ALL THE CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY, YOU ARE A WONDERFUL MOTHER, I CALL YOU THE BIG MAMA. AND JANELLE, I CALL YOU THE STRONG ONE, SOLID…. YOU BRING GREAT SUPPORT TO YOUR FAMILY… WHAT YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE DOING, THE SISTER WIFE’S WILL GLADLY DO…THEY LOVE AND RESPECT YOU AND THANKFUL TO YOU, YOU BRING STRENGTH TO THE FAMILY, THEY DON’T WORRY CAUSE THEY HAVE YOU, AND ROBYN, I CALL YOU THE BABY… I THINK YOU WILL BE A GREAT BLESSING TO MERI. YOU HAVE A SOFT HEART AND I KNOW YOU WILL BRING ALOT OF LOVE TO YOUR SISTER’S. AND KODY, I REALLY DON’T KNOW WHAT TO THINK OF YOU, YOU CAN’T BE ALL THAT BAD TO BE BLESSED WITH FOUR WONDERFUL LOVING AND CARING WIFE’S. ALL I GOT TO SAY ABOUT YOU IS, YOU BEST BE GLAD I’M NOT YOUR MOTHER IN LAW COZ IF YOU HURT ANY OF YOUR WIFE’S I’D BE ON YOU LIKE A HERD OF HORSES!!! WELL, DON’T SEE MY COMMENTS AS JUDGEMENTAL, COZ IT’S NOT MEANT TO BE, JUST ADVICE AND I HOPE SOMEDAY TO MEET YOU SISTER WIFE’S SO I CAN GIVE YOU A HUG AND SAY I’M SORRY FOR THE WAY THE LAW HAS TREATED YOU ALL, ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN, I HOPE WITH ALL THE KIDS YOU HAVE KODY, SOME OF THEM END UP LAWYER’S SO THEY CAN UPDATE THE LAW AND SEE THAT YOUR RELIGION PROTECTS YOUR BELIEF’S, SO YOU CAN LIVE WITHOUT FEAR AT YOUR BACK’S. YOUR A VERY BRAVE FAMILY AND IT MAY NOT SEEM YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISION ABOUT COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET WITH YOUR LIFE AS A POLYGAMIST FAMILY, BUT… I THINK YOU HAVE CRACKED THE DOOR FOR ALL THOSE WHO LIVE IN FEAR.AS FOR ME, I THINK IF I HAD SISTER WIFE’S, MY LIFE & MY CHILDREN’S LIFE’S WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ALL THE WAY AROUND,MY CHILDREN ARE ALL GROWN AND GONE AND I LIVE ALONE WITH NO ONE TO SHARE MY LIFE WITH AS A WIDOW. SO, THANK YOU. ALL AMERICAN’S SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM, RATHER IT BE RELIGION OR WHAT EVER, YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR RIGHT’S RESPECTED & YOU SHOULD RESPECT AMERICA.
SINCERELY, SHARON SUE

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

Hi all == thanks for your comments! I wasn’t able to get online last night, and was frustrated to miss being able to answer each comment as it came in.

Melissa, I think you have a very open and caring attitude.
Dale- I think Kody (and family) chose Las Vegas because the laws are less confining there and they will, they hope, be allowed to practice their religion (whatever one may think of it). I don’t think anyone should feel “shame” unless they hurt a child physically or in some way in an irrevocable psychological manner. Perhaps you feel the Browns are doing this to their kids? But otherwise, should anyone feel “shame” for being different than others?
Alexina, I like the idea that BC, and Canada, are different and allow more freedom of belief.
Lois– the Browns, you must admit, have been through some difficult times lately. I feel that their choices have been rather difficult on their kids, but as children are very adaptable I think they’ll settle in and become accustomed to the new life– though not so sure about the teens. I think the Browns believe themselves to be dedicated Christians, and they did pray before leaving Utah- as I imagine they do each day. I don’t think Kody believes he has all the strength, however annoying some of us may find his insistence on being “the leader.”
Dale again: I think you’re talking here about the Amish with their “Rumspringa”year at sixteen of going out into the world and finding out what it’s like before settling down (if they do).
I do sometimes feel sorry for the kids too, but they are clearly loved, and their lives seem no worse than those of conventional nuclear family children. In a year or two Mariah and the others will be free to choose whether to return to Utah or not. But perhaps by that time, they will have settled into the new life and enjoy some of the freedoms Nevada has to offer?
(For instance, not being sent to jail for having more than one wife, or being more than one wife, if they are inclined in that direction).
Rollie- love your invitation to the Browns. I don’t know what they feel about being gay,but they seem to be inclined to be open to other people’s beliefs as they wish others to be open to theirs. I hope they e-mail you, but I don’t know if they will– their lives are pretty busy!
And Sharon Sue, I liked many of your comments. Yes, this country was founded on religious freedom– and shouldn’t it offer this same thing to the Browns? I believe that the country will not fulfill itself completely till it allows others to live in freedom and also protects children from being tormented by adults from whom they cannot protect themselves. I appreciate your thoughtful comments (though perhaps all caps is not the easiest way to read them!) and hope that the Browns may be able to get to see what you have to say. Kody is a lucky fellow to have so many loving women around him, and I think he feels he is trying to do the best he can to help and care for his family. (I was a bit taken aback by the idea that Meri, with one child, should go for a cheap house, but I suppose that it makes the most logical sense- yet she clearly needed a BIG house, and it will be like “grandma’s” house when holiday time rolls around. I hope it works out for them and I wish them and all of you well.
Hope you will be watching when the new season comes, and may you be happy in your own lives and let the Browns be happy in theirs.
Keep writing! I’ll keep responding! Thanks everyone~!!

Steve

My wife was watching the move last night from Utah to Nevada were the family got like 4 flat tires in the first 20 minutes. Good that they were able to leave the state without interference from the authorities.

JJ

Ok now what. I live in Las Vegas area on the show I got sooooooo mad when Kody said we allow regious freedom? Are you kidding me. We also obey the laws just like the other 49 states that there life is not legal. Guess they don’t watch much news they would know we have a police force that is for people who come here running from the law. More get caught here than anywhere. What did they think was going to happen when they openly broke the law. Like a few people can change the law that way. there was a reason it was made into law. I for one do not welcome law breakers into my home town. Get real.

JJ

I just have one more thing to add. It is NOT against the law to be gay. My son is gay it is not to be conpared to this family. I don’t feel sorry for anyone that went on tv bragging about openly breaking the law of all 50 states. Being Gay is not illegal. That man only cares about hisself. He didn’t care what he would do to his wives or children. the comment its cheaper to get a hooker? Good people live here. Most only see the big strip or downtown. Behind that are homes familys churchs a town. I think people are watching this just to see that man arrested. He has 4 woman he lives off of. He opened the box and ran where he thinks its sin city and we won’t care. WE Do Keep the law or go to jail just like everywhere else in fact more so. This town works hard to keep our streets clean. If you break the law expect to do the time for it. Who goes on tv and brags like this family anyway? There is a legal way to change laws. This guy is only on tv because its big to show outlaws I guess and waiting for his arrest that would be great for tv sweeps. The kids I do care for. Look what money did I am sure thats all he was looking at was what he makes off of the show. Greed. I am sorry about all my miss spelled words. Las Vegas is full of good people I know lots of them. We work hard just like anyone else.The woman finding them a place to rent she is getting paid for that, of course she is nice to them again money its just her job who cares if they are outlaws from Utah. I hate this. Whats bad is I watched it to see how long it would be for Utah to do something about this family pushing it in there face. I hope Utah puts a warrent out for him see how fast our police puts him in jail then what will he think of our city. Its in our face go on tv and brag about living knowing its not going to wash. I have wondered why Utah took so long. I don’t care this family isn’t better than any of us. Don’t be pushing his faith as a excuse it says in the Bible to obey the laws of the land. He much not have read that verse. Sooooooooo sad.

Aurea

I think these kids are typical kids. They seem to go through the same stuff other kids go through. I couldn’t do this because I don’t share well. lol Every week I try to figure out which wife I like the best. They are all so wonderful. I have to go with Meri in the first slot…Gays can adopt, seriously?? The family needs to stay together. The cops in Utah seem to keep you frightened because they don’t want to deal with the fallout by breaking up your family. Hang in there. I love your show.

JJ

I don’t see where anyone was talking about gavys adopting. Would it be better if all the children care not have anyone of a gay person to be a parent. This family choose to have the kids knowing that there so call life style is not legaL. They did this to the kids not Utah or Nevada. People need to think about that, I feel sorry for the kids. To me this is child abuse from the Dad. I see the work and love from the Moms, Why do people except that its ok to make up your own laws. I know the type the laws are for me to obey they don’t want too. The parents knew the law before all but one child was born. We cannot except that its ok to pick which law to except or not. If you want it changed you do the leg work go to our goverment and appeal for the law to be dropped. Its all over money, there church told him not to do this. He saw the $$$ and did not care about what this would do to the family. Am I the only one that thinks about that? I have keep the laws all my life, I expect them to be carried out or what good are they? You can see how hurt Meri is. Her other 2 sister wives see that, really the new one wants Meri to go shopping for baby clothes?? To me that is thought less. Its like so sad what Meri is going though that lady is smart. The new wife I can’t see how she is really wanting the sisters. They have talked about that one not bringing in a income. I hate they came to Las Vegas. Our state isn’t going to loss highway $ for these people. Nor do I want any of them to get food stamps or goverment help. We have enough people without jobs as it is. So this family quit the jobs that had ?? I wish and hope they go back to Utah. Maybe Colo city AZ. I get it they broke the law and didn’t want to deal with it so they move. Maybe the tires was a warning not to come here. The Moms they are loving to the kids. I see where they let this man get by with a lot and they pick up the pieces. What ever next they will blame Nevada for what ever comes up. Just sadddddddddd. I was so hoping they would not come here, we have police that know the laws and they won’t get by with it here. No one has a right to make us look bad. Unless we do that ourselfs. How many other states are going to welcome a family that refuse to obey what the rest of do. I am done here I keep repeating myself. Good luck with this family, again the Bible says we are to obey the laws of the land, they even broke that law. again soooooooooo sad.

mickymabel

Personally this situations works for them. What a neat idea four moms and one dad. This is the 21st century and it is time for people to put there comments away. No one is perfect and the Browns are getting by and this type of life works for them so what. Kind of wish that I could do something like that. I think it would be a ton of fun. A husband over every fourth day. That would be so cool. An women we all know how men can get on our nerves. But would sharing another man with three other women hard. I don’t think so. Anyways I love Sister Wives and feel for them and what they are going through. This is a tough mean world that doesn’t understand.

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

Thanks, Mickymabel. I appreciate your comment because I raised my daughter, b. 1971, in a somewhat similar situation. Her father left us when she was six weeks old. To have other mothers (and, may it be said of us, though not of the FLDS group to which the Browns belong, it seems), fathers. We shared child care among one another and this gave our children greater cross-pollination of ideas. My son, b. 1988 (to a different father, my present husband) was given more attention on the nuclear family level, yet others also spent time with him and played with him (I just saw a video made by one friend/helper that took up one whole DAY in my son’s life, so that he would have some idea later on of what his life and his childhood personality had been like). We shared a lot of things and it was generally very good, I believe. Of course there are adult kids who now feel that they’d rather have had a Leave it to Beaver 1950s style mom and dad family– but as I say to them, this was not usually the choice, as many of them had single mothers and no fathers. I believe that my friends and I were able to offer our children much, much more than most people are ever able to offer their kids, especially under similar circumstances, and in general it has paid off with children who are well-balanced, creative, and self-reliant…
I do not understand exactly the parallel that people are drawing between gay marriage and polygamous marriage, except that both are illegal in most places. I suppose that people fear that if polygamy is permitted, any kind of human relationship may become acceptable. Frankly, as long as no one’s hurt, I can see no objection to this idea, but I realize that this is a bit too unconventional a notion for most.
I appreciate all your commments very much and am hoping you are all having a great summer. I hope the Browns are too.

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

I do see that Meri is hurt at times and I do feel very sorry for her. She seems quite smart, and it must be hard, as you say, JJ, that she has been supplanted by three other women (and now Robyn is pregnant). But she chose Cody. She chose this lifestyle. She also chose Robyn, as I recall, to be the 4th wife! So, what is really going on? Would she want Cody all to herself? Perhaps not. It is hard to truly look into the heart of another, and these ladies come from a very different cultural background than we do (including me).

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

Gays can adopt. Yes, Aurea… it’s true (in many states, at least). I believe there is no data that indicates that gay people make worse parents than “straight” people.
We are moving forward into a world in which it is not illegal for those who are not heterosexual to marry, and not illegal for polygamists (and I’d hope polyandrists, too) to marry whom they please. Why should we interfere with the marital choice of others? As long as their children are well cared for– and many, many children of gays are, and I hope this is also true of many polygamist families– I believe the law should allow them the right to privacy people have derived from the laws granted in the constitution. I believe we should accept all people, unless they are dangerous and cruel… (Cody’s sort of arrogant, but otherwise not too bad…)

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

Sorry. I mean “Kody.” That’s how Mr. Brown spells his name, I think.
Actually I have more trouble with his domineering attitude that he is the “Leader” and his children and wives have to obey him than I do with any of their choices in marriage etc.
Legally, he is married to Meri, not to the others. As long as they are ok with that, do we really care? (At least I believe that to be the truth.)

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

Sept 22 2011
Hi All
SisterWives will be on again soon.
Would you like to see me go on following the Brown family’s exploits on “Rants and Raves” here on Blogcritics? For various reasons, I am thinking of posting an occasional article about the series rather than trying to keep up with each week’s episode. (It is on Sun. night; my husband has a 1.5 hour commute, etc.)
Let me know what you think and if there is anyone who would be interested in taking over this commentary on a weekly basis.
Thanks,
Ladybelle Fiske

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

Friends,
If you would like to see me continue this column on Blogcritics, please let me know. Post here. [Personal contact info deleted] I would like to get some sense of whether people would like me to cover the 3rd season before I do or don’t… Thanks!

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

See my article about “Thoughts and Doubts” in the regular TV section of BC. I’ll be writing about Sister Wives every few weeks, and will be glad to hear your thoughts and doubts, if any!

Deenine Skidmore

I enjoy watching this family and hope the show continues. I admire the fact that they made the choice to live their lifestyle and their commitment to each other.
I would much rather live like the Browns than live In a tradition relationship and after having 3 or 4 kids and after 10, 15 or 20 years the man just leaves his wife and kids for a new girlfriend. Now that is greedy and dispicable.
Good luck Brown family!

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

I couldn’t agree more. What do you think, Sara?
Sara is the new moderator of this column. I’m a sort of “Free floater” now and will write about Sister Wives from time to time… soon, I think!

ng

I would prefer to live next door to the sisterwives, than some whacko killer bomber, or serial killer. I don’t have to choose to follow my neighbors religion to respect their right to choose that religion. America was founded by people looking for religious freedom. As long as their rights do not take away my rights, then why should I complain.

http://quarryhillcreativecenter.blogspot.com Ladybelle Fiske

I agree with NG. I was very moved by Robyn’s offer to be Meri and Kody’s surrogate. That made me see the real core of this kind of family– which is not really different in many ways from the kind of extended family I had and have still in some ways. We were very close. We loved one another. And I see that in the SisterWives and their unity with each other, not only Kody…

lisa cianchetti

i think that people have the wrong idea of the sister wife.it might not be for everyone but it work for them.i my self know how meri feel.i only have one child.i had 6 miscarriage and so i know how she feels.i my self could see me in one of those marriage cuz i know than that my husband would not be alone if i would pass away.and that my child would of sister and brother.so for the browns dont let ppl tell u different

Ladybelle Fiske

It does seem to work for the Brown family. I’ve known others for whom this kind of arrangement worked very well. I’m not in the US so have not seen the entire season, but I’ll catch up on it when I get back.
YOu know, I think, Lisa, that your point is good. Someone to care for your kids is a good thing to have, especially if you can feel that they will be cared for with real love… this is the most important thing of all. I’m so sorry about your miscarriages.